Trayvon Martin vigil set Friday at Vancouver church

VANCOUVER -- A Good Friday candlelight vigil will be held this week from noon to 7 p.m. in memory of a Florida teenager who was shot and killed during an encounter with a community watch worker.

The event will take place at the First Congregational United Church of Christ and the public is invited. The vigil will honor Trayvon Martin, the teenager who died in the incident that took place Feb. 26.

According to news accounts, Martin was walking to his father's home from a convenience store when George Zimmerman, the community watch coordinator, began following him. Zimmerman called police and said he thought Martin was exhibiting suspicious behavior.

A short time later, a confrontation occurred and Zimmerman shot Martin.

Church officials say the public "is invited to come and light a candle on an altar dedicated to Martin. Participants may then stay for prayer and reflection.

The church is at 1220 N.E. 68th St. in Vancouver.

The Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt of First Congregational United Church of Christ in believes that holding a vigil on Good Friday will be especially meaningful for Christians.

"Good Friday is the day on which we confront violence and death in all its ugliness and sorrow," he said in a news release. "The crucifixion of Jesus provokes us to seek justice and peace in our own time and in our own communities."